Teresa Wells (Photo courtesy Ky. Dept. of Parks)DUNMOR, Ky. (6/19/14) — Several years of budget cuts targeting Kentucky's state parks both small and large have raised concerns among many about the future of Lake Malone State Park.

But this week's announcement of Teresa Wells as the full-time park manager by the Kentucky Department of Parks was welcome news for supporters of the park, which opened in 1962.

According to a statement released by the Kentucky Department of Parks, Wells has been chosen as the park's full-time manager after a number of years with only a part-time manager. Ms. Wells began working at Lake Malone in 2010 as a campground attendant, and later as the park's business officer, according to the statement.

State Representatives Brent Yonts and Martha Jane King, have been outspoken advocates of preserving the lake. King represents the state's Sixteenth District, which includes portions of the park in Logan and Todd Counties. The park also covers hundreds of acres in southern Muhlenberg County, represented by Yonts.

"I am very pleased that Ms. Wells has gone from a part-time to full-time park manager," King said. "I know that she loves the lake, as we all do. I feel like she is going to do a really good job. I am very glad to see that the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Parks, Elaine Walker, understood that the lake needed full-time help. The commissioner has told me that the position will remain full-time."

King noted that for many people in the Muhlenberg, Logan and Todd County areas, Lake Malone State Park is a wonderful place to bring the entire family. One perfect example was the recent 'Fishing With Kids' day, which attracted hundreds of families, including one family who drove three hundred miles round trip from Lawrenceburg, Ky.

"I have said this before and I'll say it again," King said. "Lake Malone State Park is one of the free things that people from this area can do. You can enjoy free swimming, a free place to fish as long as you have your fishing license, and I want the lake to be there for everyone to enjoy."

King said that she hopes that the hiring of Wells as a full-time park manager will be just the beginning of a revitalization of Lake Malone. She noted that the recent reopening of Dogwood Lake, which sits right next to the park, is a positive sign. She noted that the new owner has made numerous improvements, attracting local residents and tourist back to the area.

"I have talked to Commissioner Walker," King said. "She has promised that she would return to the park when a date can be nailed down, and discuss possibilities for improvements. This would not be like the meeting we had with members of the legislature in October of 2013. This would be a more private sit down meeting with myself and the people from this area who love this lake and want to see it thrive. She cares very much about the lake, as we all do. I'm hopeful we can work out a date out soon."